Assisted Living in Provo, UT

Assisted Living Costs in Provo

The Genworth 2018 Cost of Care survey shows that seniors living in assisted living facilities in Provo pay an average of $2,898 per month for their care, which is less than the national ($4,000) and state ($3,350) averages. The cost of assisted living in Provo is the lowest in the state and $1,702 per month less than in Salt Lake City. In the Logan area, assisted living costs just $52 more per month than in Provo, while in the St. George and the Ogden areas, it’s $602 and $995 more expensive, respectively. 

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

The cost of senior living in Provo can differ quite a bit depending on the type of care required. Nursing homes offer the most expensive type of long-term senior care in the city with an average cost of $6,083 per month. That’s about $1,500 more than home health aide services and about $1,800 more than the cost of hiring a homemaker. Assisted living is the least expensive type of round-the-clock, long-term care in Provo at $2,898 per month.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Provo

Medicaid in Utah

The Medicaid program in Utah provides health care services to families and individuals who are unable to afford coverage on their own. The program provides medical services for almost half a million elderly and disabled people. Some of the services covered by Utah Medicaid include primary care, prescription medications, medical devices, emergency transportation, hospital  and mental health services. Although the cost of assisted living isn’t covered under the state plan, there are Medicaid options in place to help seniors access this type of long-term care. 

Seniors in Utah seeking Medicaid care under the state plan must meet the following requirements:

• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
• Live in Utah full time
• A maximum monthly income of $1,041 ($1,372 for married couples)
• No more than $2,000 in countable assets ($3,000 for married couples) 

Medicaid considers all income sources when determining seniors’ eligibility for coverage; however, some assets are exempt. These include the applicant’s home and its furnishings, one vehicle, burial plots and personal belongings. 

Provo seniors can apply for Medicaid online, or call the Utah Department of Health at (866) 435-7414 for more information about the application process. 

New Choices Waiver Program

The New Choices waiver program helps seniors who want to transition from a nursing home or hospital to an assisted living facility or their own home. It provides financial assistance to help with the cost of transitional services, such as transportation and counseling. It also pays for assisted living or home care services. 

To qualify for the New Choices waiver, applicants need to be at least 65 years old and residing in a nursing home or hospital when they submit their application. Applicants can’t earn more than $2,313 per month and must meet the Medicaid program’s asset requirements. 

To apply for this waiver, seniors can call the Utah Medicaid help desk at (800) 662-9651.

Aging Waiver

Utah’s Aging waiver provides services to seniors to delay the need for care in a nursing home. It pays for services provided in a senior’s own home or assisted living facility. Covered benefits include skilled nurse visits, assisted living care and nonemergency transportation. 

To qualify, applicants must be a minimum of 65 years of age and fully eligible for Utah Medicaid. They also must undergo a comprehensive assessment to confirm they require a nursing home level of care but are able to live safely outside a skilled nursing facility. 

To apply, seniors can contact the Division of Aging and Adult Services at (801) 538-3910.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Optional State Supplement

Utah’s Optional State Supplement is paid in cash to Provo residents who receive federal Supplemental Security Income benefits. These two benefits are combined and issued once per month. The OSS exists to help those with limited resources pay for care and expenses not covered by Medicaid. 

To qualify for this benefit, applicants need to be at least 65 years of age or disabled or blind, have $771 or less in monthly income and a maximum of $2,000 in countable assets. 

To apply OSS or SSI benefits, seniors can contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance helps seniors pay for care services when they’re needed. Most LTC insurance providers require senior citizens to purchase a policy while they’re in relatively good health and before the need for assisted living or nursing home care exists. Prices and terms of LTC policies vary depending on the provider, deductible, amount of insurance purchased and health and age of the applicant. 

Seniors who require assistance understanding their long-term care insurance options can call Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

Assisted Living Resources in Provo

Senior Center in Provo

The Provo Recreation Center offers a variety of low-cost or free senior programs and activities. Some of the available programs include luncheons, discovery tours and senior dances and parties. Additionally, the center provides fitness classes as well as classes that teach seniors to use mobile phones and computers. 

Provo Recreation Center
320 W. 500 N., Provo, UT 84601
(801) 852-6600

Area Agency on Aging

The Mountainland Area Agency on Aging in nearby Orem serves senior citizens in Provo and the surrounding areas. Programs offered include mobility assistance, services coordination, respite care, mental health services and caregiver training. 

Mountainland Area Agency on Aging
586 E. 800 N., Orem, UT 84097
(801) 229-3804

Veterans Affairs

Senior citizens who’ve served in the U.S. military are eligible for health care and other benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Seniors in the Provo area can schedule an appointment at the city’s Vet Center with a Veterans Services officer to file claims or apply for benefits, including health care, disability and Veterans Aid and Attendance, which may help to cover costs associated with long-term care. Those seeking medical attention can visit the Orem VA Clinic to access primary care and mental health services.

Provo Vet Center
360 S. State St. Bldg C Ste. 103, Orem, UT 84058
(801) 377-1117

Orem VA Clinic
1443 W. 800 N. Ste. 302, Orem, UT 84057
(801) 225-0953